Woman in her 80s robbed, raped in International District

Published 7:51 am, Thursday, July 25, 2013

Police are hunting for the man who robbed and sexually assaulted an elderly woman Wednesday afternoon in Seattle's International District.

Officers say the woman, who is in her 80s, had just walked into an apartment complex in the 200 block of Sixth Avenue South where a man punched her in the head.

The blow toppled the woman, and police say the attacker then jumped on top of her and sexually assaulted her at knifepoint.

The attacker then stole the woman's money and ran out of the building, according to police.

"Our investigation indicated he was milling around or hanging around that door just waiting sizing people up and looking for what victim he wanted," said Jeff Kappel with the Seattle Police Department.

The victim was taken to Harborview Medical Center to be treated for her injuries. The attacker is still on the loose.

Police say the man stands roughly 6 feet tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has dark hair and was wearing a light-colored tank top, black pants and a large necklace at the time of the attack. He was also carrying a black backpack.

Based on security footage from the building, police believe the same man is responsible for a July 19 strong-arm robbery in the complex.

Anyone with information about the attacker is urged to call 911.

"We need to get him in custody as soon as possible," Kappel said. "We want everybody's assistance. Do the right thing. If you know who this man is, and call us immediately."